Lion’s Mane has become one of the most talked-about ingredients in the functional drinks space.
From coffees and powders to sparkling drinks and supplements, more people are becoming curious about Lion’s Mane and the conversations around focus, clarity, and cognitive wellbeing.
That wider interest in functional drinks has grown quickly, too. A 2025 survey by Savanta and Ocado found that two in five UK adults now buy functional drinks several times a month, rising to roughly two-thirds of Gen Z consumers.
But alongside the mushroom itself, a few other terms tend to appear too:
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hericenones
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erinacines
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NGF (nerve growth factor)
And honestly, this is usually where things can start sounding far more scientific than they need to.
At SKÏP, we’ve always wanted functional drinks to feel approachable. Drinks for different moments in the day, without feeling overly complicated.
That’s a big part of why Lion’s Mane became part of the SKÏP range in the first place.
And just like the CBD range, flavour still mattered just as much as function.
Because functional drinks should still feel enjoyable to drink.
Key Takeaways
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Hericenones and erinacines are naturally occurring compounds found in Lion’s Mane mushrooms
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These compounds are often connected to NGF, or nerve growth factor
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NGF plays a role in the growth, maintenance, and communication of nerve cells
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Lion’s Mane has become increasingly popular within functional wellbeing conversations
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SKÏP approaches Lion’s Mane as part of a broader flavour-and-function drinks experience
What Are Hericenones?
Hericenones are bioactive compounds found naturally in Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Put simply, they’re part of the reason Lion’s Mane has become so widely discussed in conversations around cognitive wellbeing and brain health.
A lot of the curiosity around Lion’s Mane comes from how compounds like hericenones are connected to the body’s natural neurological processes, particularly those involving NGF, or nerve growth factor.
That connection is part of why Lion’s Mane is often discussed within the functional wellbeing space.
At the same time, much of the interest around Lion’s Mane still centres around early findings and ongoing curiosity rather than guarantees or instant results.
What Are Erinacines?
Erinacines are another group of naturally occurring compounds found in Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Like hericenones, they’re often talked about because of their connection to NGF and the body’s natural nerve cell processes.
Together, these compounds have helped make Lion’s Mane one of the more recognisable ingredients in modern functional wellbeing conversations.
Importantly, though, Lion’s Mane is not typically viewed as an instant “focus fix” or quick solution.
Instead, it tends to fit more naturally into broader routines and habits, especially for people already interested in functional ingredients and everyday wellbeing.
What Is Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)?
NGF stands for nerve growth factor.
Simply put, NGF plays a role in how the body grows, maintains, and repairs nerve cells. It also plays an important role in how nerve cells communicate with each other.
Lion’s Mane is often discussed alongside NGF because studies have explored how compounds like hericenones and erinacines may support these natural processes.
That relationship is a big part of why Lion’s Mane has become such a widely discussed ingredient in conversations around focus, clarity, and cognitive wellbeing.
And while there’s still plenty being explored in this space, early findings have made Lion’s Mane an increasingly interesting ingredient within the functional drinks world.
Why Are These Compounds Linked to Brain Health?
Most of the conversation comes back to the connection between hericenones, erinacines, and NGF.
Because NGF plays an important role in maintaining nerve cells, compounds associated with those natural processes have become a growing area of interest, too.
That’s really where much of the interest around Lion’s Mane comes from today.
Not because people expect dramatic results, but because functional ingredients are becoming a much bigger part of modern wellbeing routines.
For many people, Lion’s Mane fits naturally into moments like:
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work
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university
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lunch breaks
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study sessions
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or bigger work blocks
That wider “drink for different moments” idea has always been important to SKÏP too.
While CBD naturally suited calmer moments, Lion’s Mane felt like a better fit for moments where people may want to feel a little more locked in and focused instead.
And importantly, those drinks still needed to taste great.
Just because something is functional does not mean you should have to sacrifice flavour.
How Are These Compounds Preserved in a SKÏP Can?
You’ve probably heard of cold-pressed juices before.
SKÏP wanted to bring a similar thinking into functional drinks too.
Part of the appeal of cold-processing methods is that they focus on keeping more of the ingredient’s naturally occurring compounds together, rather than stripping everything completely back.
That approach to processing is one reason cold-processed drinks have become increasingly interesting to people exploring functional ingredients.
And for SKÏP, it always comes back to the same idea: Flavour and function.
A drink built for moments, not just for consumption.
How Much Lion’s Mane Do Studies Typically Use?
This varies quite a lot depending on the format and the study itself.
Some look at powders or capsules, while others focus on food-based products or drinks.
Because Lion’s Mane is still a relatively developing area within functional wellbeing, there is not one universal serving amount used across every study.
That’s also why most people tend to approach Lion’s Mane as part of a broader routine rather than expecting an immediate feeling from a single drink.
For some people, functional drinks simply become an easy and enjoyable way to keep up habits they already have around ingredients like Lion’s Mane.
And for others, the potential benefits simply become the cherry on top of a delicious drink.
Is Lion’s Mane the Only Mushroom Studied for These Effects?
Not at all.
Lion’s Mane is one of several mushrooms that have become part of the wider functional wellbeing conversation in recent years.
Others commonly discussed include:
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Reishi
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Cordyceps
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Chaga
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Turkey Tail
Each tends to be associated with slightly different areas of interest, although Lion’s Mane has become one of the most recognisable names in conversations around focus and cognitive wellbeing.
Part of that may simply be because Lion’s Mane feels relatively approachable for people newer to functional drinks, too.
Compared with CBD, there often seem to be fewer preconceptions around Lion’s Mane, which is one reason it has become such a natural entry point into functional drinks more broadly.
Why Lion’s Mane Drinks Are Becoming More Popular
Functional mushrooms have become a much bigger part of the wellbeing conversation in recent years.
According to Grand View Research, the UK functional mushroom market generated more than $1,006.7 million in revenue in 2023 and is expected to continue growing rapidly through 2030.
Part of the appeal of Lion’s Mane is that it fits naturally into modern routines.
People are becoming increasingly curious about functional ingredients, but they still want products that feel approachable, flavourful, and easy to enjoy day to day.
That’s part of why functional drinks have grown so quickly.
Rather than turning wellbeing into something overly complicated, drinks like these fit into moments people already have:
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during work
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on a lunch break
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ahead of a study session
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or as part of a busy afternoon
And for many people, that balance between flavour and function is what makes Lion’s Mane feel interesting in the first place.
Not because it promises instant results, but because it fits naturally into a wider shift towards drinks built for different moments in the day.
For SKÏP, that idea has always sat at the centre of the range: functional drinks that still feel enjoyable to reach for.
FAQs
Are hericenones and erinacines safe?
Lion’s Mane mushrooms have been widely used in foods and supplements, although anyone unsure about trying functional ingredients should always speak to a healthcare professional before trying them.
Are these compounds destroyed by heat?
Heat can affect naturally occurring compounds, which is one reason cold-processing methods have become increasingly popular in functional drinks.
Does the body make NGF on its own?
Yes. NGF is naturally produced by the body and plays an important role in nerve cell growth, maintenance, and communication.
Do hericenones cause side effects?
Experiences can vary from person to person. Anyone unsure about Lion’s Mane or functional ingredients should always check labels carefully and speak to a healthcare professional if needed.
How long do these compounds take to act?
Experiences vary from person to person. Some people include Lion’s Mane as part of a longer-term routine rather than expecting an immediate feeling.
Are there other foods that contain these compounds?
Hericenones and erinacines are specifically associated with Lion’s Mane mushrooms.
Do Lion’s Mane drinks contain less of these compounds than capsules?
Different formats work differently, and many people simply choose the option that fits most naturally into their routine.